The latest guide from the IRTE, entitled 'Improving fuel efficiency', has been launched.
The booklet, unveiled at the institute's biofuels conference at the Heritage Motor Museum in Gaydon, makes the point that all manufacturers of interventions – mechanical, electrical, additive or trailer design – claim to increase fuel economy, decrease costs and, in some cases, reduce emissions.
Launching the guide, IRTE board member John Eastman asked: "How can operators be sure that marketed devices that claim to save fuel and reduce particulate do just that? The claims are around 5%, which would be a major potential saving to an operator with a large truck fleet.
"The IRTE technical committee wanted to provide a quick, simple guide to look at fuel saving devices," he explained, revealing that many manufacturers have been approached for proof of results, and details of their testing methods.
SOE head of technical services Ian Chisholm said: "This guide, which was sponsored by Don-Bur and Freight Best Practice, is the product of an industry working together to meet challenges and exceed expectation."
The guides are freely available to download, for both SOE members and non-members, from www.soe.org.uk/resources. Similarly, copies can be ordered from technical engineering coordinator Nick Edwards on 020 7630 1111.